Box Score

LAS VEGAS - Forward Louis Amundson had 22 points and 21 rebounds as host UNLV defeated Hawai'i, 67-61, Tuesday, at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Rainbow Warriors shot themselves in the feet by converting only 1-of-17 from 3-point range and a dismal 33.3 percent from the free throw line.

The game was the first of an in-season home-and-home series between the schools. The teams next meet in Honolulu, Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Amundson put on a rebounding exhibition, grabbing 19 boards in the second half. The Runnin' Rebels erased a seven-rebound deficit in the first period with a plus eight advantage after the break. But the 'Bows didn't help themselves either as the team converted only 3-of-12 from the charity stripe in the second half.

For the first time in his career, senior Julian Sensley was held scoreless, missing all 11 of his shots from the field, including six from long distance. On the other hand, junior Ahmet Gueye was nearly unstoppable, scoring 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting. The transfer from Salt Lake Community College also grabbed seven boards and had one block.

Senior forward Matthew Gipson provided a formidable frontline along with Gueye, by tallying 16 points and 12 rebounds. During a stretch in the first half, Gipson scored eight of the team's 10 points. Gipson and Gueye combined for 26 of the team's 44 points in the half.

But the game was ultimately decided at the free throw line, where the 'Bows missed crucial attempts late in the game. However the Runnin' Rebels did their part to keep the contest close, missing on all 13 of their 3-point attempts in the second half and going scoreless during a 6:20 stretch midway through the period.

Junior guard Matt Lojeski scored 10 points and his 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining in the game, was the team's lone trey of the contest.

UH returns to Honolulu, where they next host Saint Louis, Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tip-off is set for 8:05 p.m.

Box Score

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